Depression decisions — 2026

The Veteran's acquired mental health condition, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is related to his experiences with threats he experienced during service. The appeal for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and Depression have been denied. The appeal for a compensable evaluation for sinusitis has been dismissed due to the AOJ's deferred decision. The appeal for service connection for vertigo is remanded as it may be related to hypertension. The appeal for an evaluation greater than 20 percent for cervical strain is also remanded. The appeal for service connection for insomnia is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depressive Disorder, finding that these conditions are due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder is granted due to the aggravation of pre-existing conditions during his active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his current symptoms are related to his military service and resolving any doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for left knee conditions, MDD, and a left knee disability; service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, PN, lumbar strain, and right knee strain; and entitlement to TDIU was denied. The appeal is dismissed as untimely.

The Veteran's appeal for eligibility to the direct payment of fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a September 2023 Rating Decision was dismissed as the appellant withdrew his appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of August 21, 2023, for her TDIU due to service-connected major depressive disorder with anxious distress. The decision found that it was not factually ascertainable during the one-year period prior to August 21, 2023, that she was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for GAD with MDD with TBI and headaches, including nausea. The Veteran's right foot surgical scar status post bunionectomy is rated at 10%.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with the current 30 percent disability level.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at a 50 percent since September 1, 2022. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms have more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was rated at 50 percent prior to July 8, 2024. From that date, the rating was increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric condition, major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective as of the date of this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or being permanently bedridden due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he did not meet the criteria under sections (1), (2), or (3) of 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l). The Board concluded that the Veteran was not permanently bedridden or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in obtaining relevant medical records and a VA medical opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, or both are immediate or contributory causes of his death.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and major depressive disorder) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hypothyroidism. The rating of 100% for hypothyroidism is restored, effective July 1, 2025.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for type two diabetes mellitus secondary to his service-connected gout. The decision on the mental health condition claim is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at the maximum disability rating of 100 percent, and he is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychological condition, including anxiety, alcohol abuse, depression, and panic attacks, as secondary to his service-connected migraines. The decision is based on a finding that there is at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether these conditions are aggravated by his service-connected migraines.